The life of Jerrie Oughton is one of those inspiring “Don’t ever give up” stories. The Lexington woman supported herself as a file clerk for the Fayette County Schools for decades, finally retiring from that job early in 2000. But for almost 40 years, she also quietly and persistently pursued the career she really always imagined for herself: writing.

For 35 of those years, the answers from publishers were mostly “No”s. But finally a New York publishing house accepted one of her books for young adults. By the time we met her, she had four in print—one in its third printing, another in its eighth—and was working on a novel for grown-ups.

When host Dave Shuffett visited Jerrie in late 1999 for this profile, he also learned about preliminary plans to turn one of her young-adult novels, Music from a Place Called Half-Moon, into a Hollywood movie.

Turning from words to music, our next profile is of rural Shelby County’s Don Coffey, maker and player of hammered dulcimers. Long fascinated by the delicate sound of this ancient instrument, Coffey explains some of its history and shares some construction tips. Accompanied by his wife, Sylvia, on bass violin, he also demonstrates the dulcimer’s haunting beauty.

Don and Sylvia enjoy dancing to music as well as playing it. You can see them demonstrating their folk-dancing moves in Kentucky LifeProgram 618.

Our celebration of creativity continues with a visit to Murray and the studio of wildlife artist Phillip Powell.

Born in Paducah and raised on a dairy farm in Ballard County, Powell has had a lifelong love affair with the wild places of Western Kentucky. As a painter, he specializes in slightly more exotic animals than the cows he grew up with, seeking out the rare creatures who make their homes in the diverse habitats of the region.

Powell’s paintings have twice been chosen for the annual Duck Stamp issued by the state of Kentucky to help fund wildlife conservation efforts.

For more information:
• Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce, (502) 223-8261
• To see the Elkhorn from water level, contact Canoe Kentucky at 1-800-K-CANOE-1 for information on rentals and guided trips.

Producer, videographer: Dave ShuffettEditor: Joy Flynn

A Creek for All Seasons

Elkhorn Creek

To wrap up this show on art and beauty, here’s a tribute to the greatest artist of all: Mother Nature. Host Dave Shuffett takes you to one of his own favorite places, Franklin County’s Elkhorn Creek, in footage that he shot himself over the course of a year. The scenic beauty of this “wild” place is an easy drive from either Frankfort, Louisville, or Lexington.